Hello there, and welcome back to another edition of me sharing my love of the desert.

Specifically, the Coachella Valley, which if you didn’t already know!

is an arid rift valley in the Colorado Desert of Southern California located in Riverside County.

Palm-tree-lined street leading towards mountains under a clear sky

), and Rancho Mirage where I was lucky enough to spend a few days in April.

I had chosen to arrive that day in a sports bra and shorts.

Well, in my defense, the desertishot, and it is 2024.

Map showing a route from Los Angeles to Rancho Mirage with traffic indicated

Because of that, and because of the massive size of the parking lot (see below!)

I am not sure why parking wouldn’t be included.

That was a negative for me, personally.

Intersection signpost for Dinah Shore Dr and Bob Hope Dr against a clear sky

The room itself was quite nice and decently spacious.

I thought it was quite lovely, even if I wouldn’t have chosen this carpet myself.

According toOmni’s website, each room at the resort has a balcony or patio.

Exterior view of a Spanish-style building possibly serving as a hotel with terracotta roofing and a parked car

I thought maybe it would look out over a parking lot or perhaps into another building.

Instead, it peered over golf courses and the pond on the property with palm trees galore.

If there’s one thing about me, I love a hotel bathrobe.

Sign asking visitors to wear shirts, shoes, and swimwear cover-ups when entering the resort lobby

It also featured a door leading to the room next to ours.

It was fine, though!

It’s the little things.

Multi-tiered fountain in front of a Spanish-style building, surrounded by purple flowers

Now for the bathroom I’m a bath girlie and love a large bathtub.

But the shower’s water pressure was surprisingly strong, and the bathroom had two mirrors.

One for the main sink and another one for makeup purposes.

A hand holding a brochure with a map of Omni Resort's layout, including various facilities and areas

Here’s the other mirror with a little seating area and vanity.

I used it for makeup and sunscreen system.

Also, for anyone who hates a bathroom sliding door, this was the bathroom door.

Hotel room interiors with one king bed, prices listed, and a search button for bookings, indicating options for travelers

But the bathroomdidhave a fan, so do with this information what you will.

The grounds are beautiful, though, and well-maintained.

As I’ve mentioned, they are also BIG.

Woman walking a dog on a street lined with palm trees at dusk

This was the little pond and lawn area outside of my room’s building.

Now, for the pools!

Omni Ranchos Las Palmas has three pools and a “Splashtopia Water Park.”

Hotel room with a bed, desk, and balcony access, illustrating lodging in a travel article

The Conchilla Valley Pool, The Azure Pool (which is adults only!

), and the Spa Pool (which I believe is reserved solely for anyone visiting the spa.)

But…I never once used these.

Hotel room interior with a sofa, armchair, and bed, leading to a balcony

No one ever asked me to see my bracelet or to present a card to get a towel.

And like, obviously since I was on vacation, I decided to partake in ordering some drinks poolside.

They were from Texas and said they kept their own pools around 80 degrees!

Hotel room with a bed, nightstand, lamp, and visible bathroom area

Now, for the spa!

On my 2nd full day at the resort, I went to theLas Palmas spafor a facial.

I mean, it’s luxury?

A pack of socks next to a white travel-sized toiletry bottle on a table, both branded by Omni Hotels & Resorts

I had no idea it was so large!

I have to assume that many people in the area visit just the spa without staying at the resort.

After my impromptu tour, it was time for my facial.

Hotel bathroom with a vanity area, shower stall, and reflective mirror. No people present

Here’s my face before my 60-minute Hydrafacial for good measure!

And here’s my face after.

But I was very happy with my skin after.

Person in a cozy sweater taking a mirror selfie in a hotel room

Now, for the onsite food options.

Here’s the menu for bluEmber below.

We went tobluEmberon our last night at the resort and sat outside.

Brown door with horizontal slats, part of a building's interior architecture

Here’s what our table looked like; it was really lovely.

My glass of Rose cost $12, and the Cab was $17.

Both were delicious and tasted exactly as wine should.

Sign warning not to walk on grass, geese by a pond, palm trees, and golf course backdrop

Now for the food!

We decided to try as much of the menu as we could.

We started with caesar salad ($13) and warm three-cheese bread twists ($7).

Brightly blooming flowers in a planter with palm trees and a clear sky in the background, suggesting a sunny travel destination

Honestly I could have eaten just this combo and been happy, but why stop here?

I will say the crab cake was so good.

But the ahi tuna wasn’t my favorite.

Palm trees reflected in a tranquil pond at a sunny resort location

At $36, I would skip ordering that and get double crab cake next time instead.

The fries were so good.

In fact, next time I would order at least two slices!

Two blue cards on a surface with text about towel exchange policy at Omni Resorts, accompanied by two teal wristbands

The Omni Rancho Las Palmas grounds are like a little slice of heaven.

And I would begrudgingly pay the $150 pet fee, too.

A drink design chart with names and illustrations of various cocktails

Person lounging on a poolside chair with palm trees in the background, indicative of a sunny vacation spot

Nighttime setting of an outdoor hot tub with steam, surrounded by reclining chairs and pool umbrellas

Massage table in a room with a computer setup and dim lighting, suggesting high-tech spa services for travelers

Spa menu listing various Hydrafacial services with prices and available days

Woman in a spa robe smiling at the camera, likely enjoying a relaxing experience at a travel destination spa

Woman with headband lying down, receiving a spa facial treatment, relaxing

Menu of a restaurant with various dinner options, including appetizers, salads, steaks, and sides. Prices listed alongside each item

Outdoor dining table set with notebooks, overlooking a pond with palm trees in the background

Hand holding a container with a dessert of strawberries topped with shredded coconut

Person in a white robe taking a selfie in a bathroom mirror

Person in a full-length dress standing in an empty parking lot with palm trees and sunset in the background

Dog on a balcony overlooking a golf course with palm trees and a person in the distance